Madison — Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp on Tuesday defended Gov. Scott Walker's plan to turn the Natural Resources Board into an advisory panel, instead of one that makes policy, even as she acknowledged she had not been consulted on the proposal in advance.

"I feel that it's extra layers," Stepp said of the board in a briefing to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee. "I think it's duplicative."

The idea has sparked opposition from Democrats as well as some of Walker's fellow Republicans. Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) said he had "some concerns" about the plan.(52)

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp., then so is chief executive Michael Koss, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

In a suit filed last week, the bank argues that if a jury finds Park Bank liable for the loss, then Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, the firm's former auditor, should have to pay some of the award.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," Park Bank wrote in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss in this case those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(1)

UW in talks for outdoor hockey at Camp Randall

The Ann Arbor News, as my colleague Dave Heller noted in the Badgers blog, is reporting that the University of Wisconsin and the University of Michigan are in talks to stage an outdoor hockey game next season at Camp Randall.

According to the newspaper, UW has offered a deal to the University of Michigan for the game next Feb. 6. The paper quotes Michigan associate head coach Mel Pearson as saying UM is expected to sign the deal.

A UW official said today that he could not discuss specifics, but that negotiations for the game are continuing. An announcement is expected soon.

The hockey Badgers have done this before. On Feb. 11, 2006, the Badgers defeated Ohio State 4-2 before 40,890 fans at Lambeau Field.